On Wednesday morning, a repatriation flight landed at Guarulhos air base in São Paulo, bringing back to Brazil 150 citizens who had escaped the conflict in Lebanon. This flight arrived just as a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect. The operation is part of the 13th mission of Operation Cedar Roots, which has allowed 2,663 people to return to the country since the program began on October 5.
The repatriated individuals experienced a mix of emotions upon arriving on Brazilian soil, with a palpable contrast between the joy of returning home and the sadness of leaving their life in Lebanon behind. Mona Houssami, who had lived in the Middle Eastern country for 15 years, expressed her gratitude for the repatriation operation that allowed them to come back. However, she lamented the devastation that her adoptive home has suffered: “It’s very tough to see our country being destroyed for nothing.”
Brazil is home to the largest Lebanese community in the world, with around eight million citizens and descendants of Lebanese individuals, surpassing even the total population of Lebanon. This operation has been seen as an example of effective coordination in public policies, highlighting the joint effort of the Brazilian government, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to assess the possibility of future flights, maintaining communication with nationals and their families in Lebanon. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has praised these repatriation efforts, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has provided logistical and documentary support to ensure a safe and smooth return.
Nura Yassine, another repatriated individual who spent 16 years in Lebanon, expressed her relief upon arriving in Brazil and her desire to someday return to a Lebanon “without the sound of warplanes.” This operation not only reflects a humanitarian effort, but also the Brazilian government’s commitment to inclusion and social protection, in line with its advanced migration laws.
Operation Cedar Roots thus consolidates itself as a milestone in the repatriation of Brazilians from conflict zones, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in times of crisis.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
